Gary police Cpl. Gabrielle King told The Times of Munster the wires were stolen around 3 a.m. Wednesday. She says police were notified after Northern Indiana Public Service Co. crews received calls about street lights being out.

NIPSCO spokesman Nick Meyer the wires primarily served street lights in the area and other customers were not impacted. He says the thieves risked electrocution.

Police believe the wire was stolen to be sold for scrap for the copper.